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Introduction: Epistemology and the Design of Learning Environments
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature and scope of knowledge. The essential question of epistemology centers on what knowledge is. This line of thought typically splits into two lines of thought known as “knowledge that” and “know-how”. To illustrate this, we know that 2 + 2 = 4, but there is also knowing how to to count to 4.1 It is these epistemological beliefs that influence how we as individuals maneuver through the design process
At the core of the Instructional Design (ID) process, are two very important epistemological perspectives: Positivism and Relativism. Later in this wiki, you will gain a better understanding of the knowledge behind positivism and relativism. But before your journey can begin, let us help provide you with the different frameworks you will be utilizing.
Positivism vs. Relativism
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Positivism
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Relativism
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Epistemological Perspectives
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- Knowledge exists independent of the learner.
- There is an absolute truth.
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- Knowledge is constructed by the learner.
- Truth is contextual.
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Design Frameworks
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Utilizes Objectivism, which focuses on the relationships between external and internal activities, and that reality exists externally to the individual.
- Transfer of knowledge from outside to inside the learner
- Arranged conditions promote specific goals
- Knowledge is therefore engineered externally
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Utilizes Constructivism, which views all knowledge as "constructed" and is contingent on convention, human perception, and social experience2
- Guides the learner in constructing knowledge
- Provides a rich context for negotiation and meaning construction
- Knowledge is therefore constructed internally
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Design Practices
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Typical Environment: Classroom
Focus: Teacher Centered, with the problems and contexts predetermined
- Teacher controls the pathway to knowledge.
- The Learner then receives this knowledge.
- Goals commonly predetermined, with objectives clearly defined.
- The Teacher directs/builds all activities, materials and assessment methods.
- The Learner submits their product(s) to the Teacher for assessment.
Objectivist Concept Mapping:
(Click the map to view the full sized version)
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Typical Environment: Variable
Focus: Learning Centered, with the problems and contexts being truly authentic
- The learner then controls their pathway to knowledge.
- The Teacher acts as a facilitator.
- Learning goals are negotiated, not predetermined.
- Activities, materials, and final assessment are context driven and constructed individually.
- Final products are shared and reflected upon with the class, on a individual or collective basis.
Constructivist Concept Mapping:
(Click the map to view the full sized version)
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With this framework as your guide, you are now ready to proceed with the rest of your journey into the design principles of learning environments. It is important to keep both perspectives in mind, for often a blending of both styles is the best method of helping your students truly acquire the knowledge desired.
Click here to get assigned a design practice.
Rubistar tips:
- Register an account
- The link to create a new rubric from scratch is at the very bottom of the "Choose a customizable rubric" page
- Make sure to save your rubric permanently (in the create a rubric dialogue select: "no, my rubric is permanent")
- Download your completed rubric as an Excel spreadsheet
Begin creating your rubric with Rubistar
Now that you are done to see an example Click Here
- Wikipedia on Epistemology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology
- Wikipedia on Constructivism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructivist_epistemology
- Rubistar: http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
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